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Science News for August 3, 2012


Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Aurka-to-p53 signaling: A link between stem cell regulation and cancer

A team of researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that Aurora A (Aurka) activates p53 by phosphorylation, promoting ESC self-renewal. The study provides insight into the role of Aurka in embryonic stem cell regulation and cancer development.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 3, 2012

Bilingualism 'can increase mental agility'

A study published in the International Journal of Bilingualism found that bilingual children excelled in tasks requiring selective attention and mental agility, while monolingual children struggled. The research suggests that bilingualism can increase mental agility and benefits in areas such as problem-solving and creative thinking.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalInternational Journal of Bilingualism·DateAug 3, 2012

NUS researchers identify a novel double-stranded DNA structure

Researchers at National University of Singapore have identified a novel double-stranded DNA structure, dubbed S-DNA, which has sparked a 16-year scientific debate. The team's findings suggest that S-DNA may be a potential binding substrate for DNA intercalators and proteins.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateAug 3, 2012
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Strawberry extract protects against UVA rays

Researchers have found that strawberry extract acts as a protector against ultraviolet radiation, increasing cell viability and reducing DNA damage. The study's findings suggest potential photoprotective properties of anthocyanins, which are also responsible for the red color of strawberries.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateAug 3, 2012

Major step taken towards 'unbreakable' message exchange

Researchers have successfully produced and implemented single particles of light into a quantum key distribution link, enabling secure communication networks. The experiment uses semiconductor nanostructures to emit single photons with high efficiency, making it possible to transmit keys over longer distances without interception.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateAug 3, 2012

Queen's researcher finds situation dire for threatened rhino species

The last remaining Javan rhinoceros in Vietnam has been confirmed extinct, with only one individual found alive in 2009. Researchers are now focused on saving the remaining population of 29 individuals living in Indonesia's Ujon Kolong area, using genetic tools to determine their age, sex, and pedigree.

SourceQueen's University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateAug 3, 2012

Birds that live with varying weather sing more versatile songs

Researchers found that birds experiencing dramatic seasonal swings in temperature and precipitation sing more variable songs. This adaptability helps them communicate effectively across different habitats. The study analyzed over 400 male birds from 44 species, including orioles, warblers, and finches.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 3, 2012

MDC researchers develop new approach to treat acute liver failure

MDC researchers have developed a new treatment approach for acute liver failure by utilizing the protein ARC, which stops excessive apoptosis in the liver. The treatment, TAT-ARC, has been shown to reverse liver failure and restore function in mice, offering a promising new hope for patients with this life-threatening disease.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalHepatology·DateAug 3, 2012
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

UT Southwestern investigators awarded $48.2 million in latest round of CPRIT grants

The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) has awarded UT Southwestern Medical Center a total of $48.2 million in new grants to support high-impact cancer research and expand access to critical prevention programs across Texas. The awards include funding for seven Multi-Investigator Research Awards and 14 projects to...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateAug 3, 2012

NASA sees triple tropical trouble in northwestern Pacific

Three tropical cyclones, Tropical Storms Damrey and Saola, and Tropical Depression Haikui, are active in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. AIRS data showed that cloud top temperatures in Damrey and Saola were warming, while Haikui had a large area of cooling cloud top temperatures, indicating strong storms and heavy rain.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 3, 2012

Ethylene of no effect -- why peppers do not mature after picking

Scientists investigated why ethylene causes tomatoes to mature after picking but not peppers. They found that genes involved in breaking down the cell wall and carotenoid biosynthesis were produced in greater quantities in both tomatoes and peppers, suggesting a different ripening mechanism for non-climacteric fruits like peppers.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateAug 3, 2012
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Disney Research demonstrates markerless motion capture

Researchers at Disney Research developed a markerless motion capture technique that captures 3D poses implicitly by estimating the underlying physics of motion. This method generates biped controllers, which can be applied to characters in new environments, enabling more realistic animations and interactions.

SourceDisney Research·DateAug 3, 2012

Touch your philodendron and control your computer

Researchers at Disney Research have created a technology called Botanicus Interactus, which enables plants to control digital devices with touch detection. This technology uses Swept Frequency Capacitive Sensing and machine-learning algorithms to recognize frequency changes associated with touches on the plant.

SourceDisney Research·DateAug 3, 2012
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Disney researchers add sense of touch to augmented reality applications

Researchers at Disney Research have developed a new technology called REVEL that can create the illusion of changing textures in augmented reality. This technology uses reverse electrovibration to manipulate the user's tactile feedback, opening up new possibilities for interactive displays and haptic feedback.

SourceDisney Research·DateAug 3, 2012

Supernova progenitor found?

Researchers have discovered a binary star system, QU Carinae, which may produce a type Ia supernova. The system's white dwarf is accumulating mass from a giant star, producing sodium gas that could be detected after the explosion.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 3, 2012

Mystery of elephant infrasounds revealed

Researchers discovered that elephants produce infrasounds by vibrating their large larynxes, similar to the human voice. This finding reveals the physical production mechanism behind these subaudible sounds, which play a crucial role in elephant communication and social life.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2012
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Ancient records shed light on Italian earthquakes (Aquila area)

A new study by Emanuela Guidoboni and colleagues reveals the historical record on ancient and medieval earthquakes in L'Aquila has gaps that must be addressed to assess seismic hazard. The region experienced multiple strong earthquakes, with a tendency to produce simultaneous events varying in impact.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateAug 3, 2012
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

New generation of virtual humans helping to train psychologists

Researchers have created virtual humans that can mimic symptoms of psychological disorders, allowing for realistic interactions with therapists. The technology is being developed to improve clinical training and provide a safe and effective environment for novice clinicians to gain exposure to various clinical conditions.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 3, 2012

People with allergies may have lower risk of brain tumors

A new study found that individuals with allergies had a significantly lower risk of developing glioma, a type of brain tumor. Women were more likely to benefit from this reduced risk, with those testing positive for elevated allergen-specific IgE experiencing a 54% decrease in glioblastoma risk.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 3, 2012

How the cell swallows

Researchers at EMBL develop method to follow molecules under light and electron microscope, revealing crucial protein interactions in endocytosis process. They discover actin scaffolding protein forms network pulling membrane inwards.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell·DateAug 3, 2012

Crayfish species proves to be the ultimate survivor

Red swamp crayfish, an invasive species introduced to enhance fisheries in East Africa, has been found to adapt and survive on terrestrial plants when water levels are low. This discovery highlights the species' incredible resilience and potential for further ecological damage.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 3, 2012
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Parents get physical with unruly kids, study finds

A study by Michigan State University found that parents use physical discipline more frequently in public settings, with 23% of children experiencing negative touch, including arm pulling and spanking. Positive touch, such as hugging and patting, is more effective in encouraging compliance.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBehavior and Social Issues·DateAug 3, 2012

Bacterial community inside the plant root

Researchers have discovered that plants like Arabidopsis select a specific bacterial community from the diverse microbial ecosystem in the soil, with Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes phyla being preferred. This community is dependent on soil type and plant genotype, and plays a crucial role in plant health.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateAug 3, 2012

Students with strong hearts and lungs may make better grades, study finds

Research at the American Psychological Association's convention found that cardiorespiratory fitness is a significant factor in middle school students' academic performance. Students who are physically fit scored higher on reading and math tests, with social support also playing a role for boys.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 3, 2012